Chapter 4
Section 3.1
Laser Surgery
Issue Date: September 12, 1986
Revision:
1.0 DESCRIPTION
Surgery using a laser (Light Amplification
by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) device instead of conventional
surgical tools, such as scalpels.
2.0 POLICY
Laser surgery may be cost-shared to the same
extent as conventional surgery when the device being used has been
approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
3.0 EXCLUSIONS
Laser surgery may not be cost-shared for surgical
procedures otherwise excluded under TRICARE, including:
• Pain
relief, biostimulation;
• Noncovered surgical
services, such as removal of tattoos;
• Arthritis or low
back pain;
• Corneal
sculpting;
• Body
sculpting;
• Noncovered
surgical services, such as removal of tattoos, hair removal;
• Noncovered cosmetic
dermatology, such as removal or telangiectasias, spider angiomas;
• Facial rejuvenation.
- END -